Wonderful place, incredibly hospitable. Warm and attentive staff made us feel really welcome which does wonders for a new business, little service hiccups were quickly and efficiently dealt with by the proprietor which were easily forgiven due to how busy (a good sign) they were. Whilst we were wondering what seasonal and locality produced/ caught delights to have, our off the menu order of Negronis were tactfully suggested to be exchanged for aperol spritzers due to out of stock ingredients, again charmed and efficiently made these were actually better suited to the balmy summers evening and complimented our food and wine choices perfectly with fruity plump green olives. So I had the sea bass- perfectly cooked, skin delightfully crispy with tangy Smokey artichoke on the side singing home the umami flavours. My dining companion's wood pigeon was also apparently melt in the mouth too, I'd have tried it but it was inhaled before you could say Bon ape... To finish off, I'd usually say no to a dessert or Ahh-fogato bout it, but with pistachio ice cream on the menu and good coffee served, naturally I ordered one of my all time favourites an affogato with an exciting nutty naughtily creamy lurid green scoop of their best. Truly satisfied and pleasantly full. I'm awaiting a tweet the moment they have some octopus on the menu and I'll be back fasta than you can cook pasta. At present they're only open for dinner service, I wish them every success but if lunch was available I'd be in danger.
I couldn't wait to go back. Osteria tuffo yet again was a joyful dining experience, Paduan-Japanese precision cheffing producing delicious delicately seared duck breast with a punchy unctuous velvety Gorgonzola dressing that didn't overdress.
I had a Tagliolini du frutti de mare. Simple clean flavours and fine textured seafood tumbled in rich egg pasta with plenty of bite.
Go for the Gavi di Gavi. Again a thoughtful choice placed on the list by the passionate proprietor, noticeably fresh lime blossom notes and bitter sweet almond kernel flavours which escorted us suggestively through to dessert. Not quite a Brûlée, but I just nodded confidently at the words: dessert. Something something... suggested from the friendly waiter. A layered red berry coulis chantily cream concoction arrived. Beautiful. Tart and a little Naughty, shared of course. Left happy again.
Osteria Tuffo seem to gladly provide late night dining great for post show Park theatre patrons. Also great if you want to avoid the rowdy Stroud Green if you're after dining Al Fresco.
@GraceDent. If you're out there. I want your job. Lol. Hahahaaa. Seriously. I do. But Grace, please give this place a try. I love seeing places I like in your column. I'm sure you'll love it! read more